Team Herald
MARGAO: The residents of Betalbatim are frustrated with the lack of proper water supply, which has persisted for over a week. They have voiced their concerns and demanded that the Public Works Department (PWD) take immediate action to resolve the situation.
A significant number of villagers gathered to meet with Betalbatim Sarpanch, Anthony Fernandes, on Wednesday to address the water scarcity issue. The PWD water
supply unit was also contacted regarding the matter.
Local residents expressed the difficulties they face due to the water shortage, making it challenging for them to carry out daily tasks such as securing admissions for their children or running errands. Despite keeping their taps on and placing buckets underneath, it takes hours for the buckets to fill up due to low water pressure.
Some residents mentioned that the PWD had implemented temporary measures in the past, but the problem resurfaced soon after. In some cases, private water tankers were arranged to provide relief to a few households.
“I have spoken to both the PWD Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) and asked that this matter be addressed immediately. They had promised to come here and do an inspection and find a solution within a week. When we called them in the past, they would say it was a power failure or some pumping issue. But at the end of the day, it is the people who are suffering, and we need a permanent solution” said the Sarpanch.
Fernandes acknowledged that he has been receiving constant calls from concerned residents and assured them that the panchayat will conduct a well-cleaning exercise to offer temporary relief to the community.
